He dropped his finger. "I'll tell you more later."
Numb, I nodded. He turned me towards the residential area that lay across the street. I hadn't even realized we had gotten to my street. We crossed it and made our way to my building. We climbed the cement steps together, and stopped at the entrance. The security apparatus was waiting for a code. I reached my left hand out because my right was still throbbing. I punched in the tricky code "1234" and the door buzzed open. I turned to Knightley to see if he wanted to come inside, but he wasn't there. I peeked inside, and saw him leaning against the wall by the stairs.
"Geez," I shook my head. "It's going to take me awhile to get used to that."
Callum started up the steps, and I trailed behind him. After three flights of stairs, we came to a standstill at my door. Lucky for me, I had stuffed my key in my sock this time. I reached down, and drew it out with a self-satisfied smile.
The door opened, and I entered. He didn't follow me, so I turned and gestured for him to come in.
His eyes looked everywhere but at me. "You have to invite me in," he said.
I stared at him, but finally said, "Come on in."
He stepped over the threshold one foot at a time. "Vampires can't come in a private home without an invitation. Remember that. It may save your life."
I nodded. "Okay."
I pulled off his leather jacket and handed it to him. "Thanks."
Callum put up a pale hand. "No, you can keep it."
"But—"
"Like I said, I've got loads."
I paused before hanging on a coat rack. It looked good hanging there. I was betting it had cost a lot of money to look that good. I stood in front of it for awhile, then turned on my heel and walked down the small hallway into the living room. The place was a bit of a mess, but I refused to be embarrassed. I hadn't had much time lately to clean up, with being stabbed and all.
Callum moved around, looking at various things curiously. He sat on my red velvet sofa and picked up the DVD case of the movie Veronica and I had watched last night. I flushed, realizing it must look extremely corny to a real vampire.
"'Bloodsucker'?" Callum chuckled, flipping it over to read the back cover. "'Become enthralled in this bloodcurdling vampire story, but don't let it bite.'"
I strode into the kitchen to get away. My face felt hot with mortification. The popcorn bowls and soda cans were still lying on the counter. I was surprised that they were still there, untouched. So much had changed since last night. My entire life.
"Was it good, at least?" Callum's voice drifted to me from the kitchen doorway.
I didn't look at him as I set the dishes in the sink. "No. Veronica got mad at me because it was so bad."
My heart stopped for a second. Veronica. She didn't know where I was, or even if I was okay. I made my way to the phone on the windowsill, and I prayed she had her cell phone with her. The answering machine was blinking with three new messages. I decided to listen to those first, and pressed down the little button.
The machine beeped and the first message came through the small speaker. "Simon," said Ayden Montgomery's voice. I sighed and leaned against the counter. "Veronica Murray just called me. She said you two went after Fletcher and ran into some trouble. Call me when you get home."
The second message beeped. "Simon," Ayden Montgomery growled into the telephone. "Simon, get off your ass and pick up the phone. Murray's sitting here having fits. I don't like antsy women, and you know it. You won't answer your cell, and—" he paused. "And I'm worried about you, dammit!"
He hung up the phone. I sighed, pulling my long hair off my face and letting it drop behind me.
The next message came through. "Ms. Simon, this is Detective Ackerman down at the San Francisco police station. We have a few questions concerning the attack six days ago on the boardwalk. Please come down to the station as soon as possible. Just ask for Detective Ackerman at the front desk. Thanks."
"Oh, no!" I buried my face in my hands. I had completely forgotten about any police involvement.
"Don't worry about it right now," Callum said from right beside me. I jumped, and whirled to face him.
"How can I not?" I said, less than calm. "What am I supposed to tell them? That vampires want to kill me?"
"Don't worry about it," he said again. "I'll sort it out."
Memories from that night flashed past in my mind. The pain, the numbness, those green eyes.
"You?" I breathed. "You were the one down there with me, weren't you? You were the one who brought me to the hospital?"
"Yes," Callum replied.
I swallowed hard, trying to grasp all this. "Why are you always there when I'm dying?"
Callum's face froze. He stood still like a statue, beautiful and unmoving. After some moments passed, he said, "I've been watching you. I've been trying to protect you these last few months, following and tracking the movements of other vampires who I knew would try and get to you." He sucked in a breath. "I tried to keep you from getting hurt, but I failed. I failed twice."
He slammed his fist down on the chrome counter. He was angry, angry at himself. He had no right to be.
"You didn't fail. I'm okay, see?" I waved my hands over myself.
"You're not okay. You've brushed death twice in the same week," he snapped.
"But I'm still alive. And that's because of you," I said reasonably.
Callum's eyes softened when he turned to look at me. "Perhaps, but I could have saved you a great deal of pain if I had been more careful, more vigilant. No one should have to go through what you did. I can't believe I let—"
He stopped mid-sentence, and raised his head to look through the living room at the front door. He became alert, noticeably tense and ready for anything.
All he said was, "You've got company."
A soft knocking at the door sounded right after he spoke. I was still for a moment, amazed, and then gathered myself enough to pad to the front door. Callum stayed behind, watching.
I yanked the door open to see Will standing in sweats and a t-shirt. Thinking about it, we matched. He looked better, though.
"Hey," he said quietly. "I heard you get in."
"Yeah," I replied. "Sorry if I woke you up."
Will shook his head. "No, I was up anyway. Couldn't sleep."
I nodded, and leaned against the doorjamb. "What's up, Will?"
His ocean blue eyes narrowed. "Are you okay, Dahlia? You don't look so great."
"Gee, thanks."
He smiled, and said, "No, I mean, you don't look like you're doing too well."
"I'm fine," I sighed.
"You always say that, 'Lia," Will said, gently frustrated. "I know you well enough to see past it."
I let out a slow breath and crossed my arms. Will saw my scarred left arm, and staggered backwards.
"What are those?" he breathed, eyes wide and staring.
I lifted my left arm and examined it. White scar tissue had already replaced the bloody wounds, looking months old instead of hours. I looked at Will, at a loss for words.
"Scars, Will," I finally said.
His brow creased. "Those weren't there before."
I tried to look stern. "Of course they were. You must've not noticed them."
"I think I would have noticed them," he answered, swallowing visibly.
I shrugged offhandedly. A shrug will tell someone everything and nothing at the same time. Will looked at me as he brushed his honey-blonde bangs off his forehead.
"Where'd you get them?" he asked cautiously.
Another shrug. "Comes with the job."
He looked dubious, and we stared at each other in silence for a full minute. It wasn't awkward, just thoughtful.
"Hello," said a deep voice from beside me.
Will jumped. I did, too. I uncrossed my arms and turned to look. Callum was leaning against the small hallway's left wall, covered in the shadows of the dimly lit foyer. Right then, he truly looked like a vampire. The white light of the ou
tside hallway spilled inside at his feet. It splashed up into the angles of his face, highlighting his defined cheekbones and his strong jaw. His emerald eyes shone through the darkness like a cat's, glowing.
I didn't take my eyes off him, even as Will said, "Who're you?"
Callum pushed off the wall and was standing next to me a little too fast. Will blinked, and I gave Callum a warning look.
"Callum Knightley," he said, but didn't offer Will a hand to shake.
Will gaped, looking from Callum to me and back again. After a bit, he cleared his throat and said, "The Callum Knightley?"
"You know about Callum Knightley, too?" I said indignantly. "Am I the only one who hasn't?"
Will's expression went from shocked to hostile. "It looks to me like you do," he muttered.
"He's hired me for a run, Will," I snapped.
"What does Callum Knightley need to hire a private eye for?" he scowled at Callum.
Callum responded by giving Will a smile that didn't reach his eyes. It gave off a sharp sense of danger, like a predator that had spotted its prey. I shivered and looked at Will. His eyes were a little wider, and I knew he could feel the threat coming off Callum.
I tried to ease the air by saying, "I can't tell you that. Client confidentiality."
Will took his eyes off of Callum, and gave me a wry look. "Right."
A wave of dizziness unexpectedly washed over me. I put a hand on the doorjamb to steady myself. My head was buzzing, and I felt like I had just been hit with a sack of bricks. My skin felt cold with numbness. I saw two hands flash out from different direction to grab my arms. One was warm and dry, the other cool and strong.
"Callum?" I asked weakly. "What's going on?"
Sound was being blockaded by a barrier in my mind. My own voice echoed back softly. I felt like I was tipping over, but my feet were still planted into the ground. My vision blurred, and I couldn't concentrate. I swallowed hard, on the brink of panicking.
"What's happening to her?" Will said in a low voice.
"She just needs to rest. It's been a long night," Callum said.
Will's warm hand left my arm. "I'll make sure she's okay. You can go."
Callum's grip tightened on my arm. "No, I'll do it."
Their voices were fading into pale watercolors. I focused on breathing and remaining standing.
"I'm sure you have more important things to do," Will said callously.
I heard Callum snarl, "Dahlia is more important than anything right now."
"I'm her friend," Will said coolly. "What are you?"
I didn't hear Callum's response. My mind was shutting off, as much as I struggled to keep it alert. I needed to lie down.
"I'll take care of her," Callum said quietly. "I give you my word."
Will touched my arm again. "Dahlia?"
I think I must have swayed because steel arms closed around me. They lifted me up, and my head thumped against a firm chest. I breathed in the sweet smell of Callum; a mixture of gentle silk, jasmine, and Herbal Essences shampoo. It was heaven, and I closed my eyes to savour it.
Will kept his hand on my arm as Callum picked me up. I was being cradled like a baby, but I couldn't object. I didn't want to object. I felt safe.
"Dahlia?" Will sounded unsure. "Do you want me to stay with you?"
I mumbled, "S'okay."
"She needs to sleep," Callum said.
Will's hand dropped. He spoke softly to me, trying to exclude Callum. "I'll come around and check on you later, okay?"
My thoughts were muted. I think I nodded, but I can't be sure. I heard a door shut, and the next thing I knew, I was laying on soft, cushiony material. I didn't have the energy to open my eyes and look around, but I sensed I was in my bedroom.
I felt the blanket being pulled out and tucked in around me. A cool hand grasped mine, and the bed caved slightly with the weight of another body.
"What's going on?" I asked, voice barely audible.
"My blood is wearing off," Callum replied.
I managed a weak, "Huh?"
He squeezed my hand. "One of my…abilities…is healing. Only five of us have the means to heal with a couple drops of our blood. It's potent, and when it wears off, it leaves the body exhausted. You have to heal on your own now."
I tried to sit up but Callum held me down. "Your body doesn't have the energy to do anything but sleep right now," he said.
I slumped back on my pillow. My mind was fuzzy like someone had stuffed an entire bag of cotton balls in there. I could tell Callum stood up because the mattress evened out. He was letting go of my hand slowly. I didn't want him to leave.
I swallowed, and said drowsily, "Won't you stay with me?"
Callum hand froze in mine. The silence was loud as he stood over me without saying a word.
"Of course," he murmured after some time.
I sighed contentedly and let the sleep wash over me like a tidal wave. I was already half asleep when I heard something.
A whisper in the dark.
"Sweet dreams, my flower."
* * *
I smiled down at the tea cup. It was empty except for an Earl Grey teabag. It had been sitting on the kitchen counter when I had walked in. Callum had left it there for me. I was touched that he had noticed I preferred tea.
After setting the water kettle to boil, I sat down at the table in the corner gingerly. I was hurting in places I didn't even know could hurt. I guess getting smashed into Chevys and being drained of blood would do that to a girl. My thoughts rewound to last night involuntarily. I shuddered as I remembered. I pushed them away to the back of my head. I didn't want to deal with it at the moment.
I looked to the clock on the windowsill, and saw it was past ten o'clock. My eyes swept over the phone, then back to it. I had never called Ayden back. Crap.
I jumped up and grabbed the phone, dialing as I took the whistling kettle off the burner. I cradled the phone between my ear and my shoulder as I poured the water in the cup Callum had set out for me.
"Montgomery Private Investigations," a woman's voice said through the phone, "How can I help you?"
"Hey, Ellie, it's Dahlia," I said.
I heard her let out a breath. "Oh, thank God," she breathed. "We've been so worried about you."
I cringed guiltily. "Yeah, I know. I'm sorry. I didn't get a chance to call," I told her half truthfully, which is also known as lying.
Ellie said, "Mr. Montgomery is going to want to talk to you. Want me to transfer you to him?"
"Yeah," I agreed reluctantly.
The phone beeped and I was put on hold. Soft elevator music flowed through the phone while I waited to speak to my boss. I held the phone awkwardly with my left hand because my right ached at the wrist, and set my elbows down on the counter. I looked out the window. It was cloudy today.
"Simon?" Ayden asked sharply through the speaker.
"Yeah, it's me," I answered.
"Where are you?"
"Home."
"Are you--" he cut off. "Are you alright?"
"I'll live," I said.
"Good," Ayden said. He hated caring about people in general, so I didn't take his indifferent tone personally. "What happened? Murray told me everything up until she drove off and left you stranded."
I bit my lip. What happened? That was a tricky question. I decided to go with the ambiguous truth. "We ran into some people who, uh, who wanted to talk with me."
Ayden made a sound of disbelief. "Talk with their fists?"
"In a manner of speaking."
"But you're okay?" he asked.
"I'll be fine," I confirmed.
Montgomery suddenly chuckled. "How'd you outdo five people with an injury?"
"Carefully."
I didn't want to get into the details, and I hoped he would understand that from my response.
"Honey," he laughed, "you're a rock. Nothing gets past you, huh?"
"Hmm," I murmured noncommittally.
"Do you need a day off?"
Ayden asked after he had his laugh.
"Giving me a day off?" I teased. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Shut up, Simon, and be thankful I'm in a giving mood."
I smiled to myself. "Thanks. I think I'll take some time and prepare for Friday's run."
Ayden huffed into the phone, "I give you a day off and you work anyway. What is wrong with you, Simon?"
Good question.
I sighed, and said, "It's nothing much. I just need to pick up some new clothes and go see Crash."
"What do you need with Crash?" Ayden asked quickly.
"I want to take out a Firestar," I replied slowly.
He let out in one breath, "What do you need a gun for?"
"For Mr. Knightley's event."
I thought a Firestar would be a good choice. It was a small, concealable 9mm gun. It had a tolerable seven-shot magazine. It was compact enough that I could slip it on a thigh holster and hide it under my dress.
Ayden said, "I thought this was just going to be some political event."
"It is, but Mr. Knightley's worried about his security," I said. "It's just a precaution."
I heard Montgomery sigh on the other end. "Just be careful, Simon."
"I always am," I said before I hung up the phone.
Chapter 9
* * *
"The usual, Simon?"
I shook my head at the woman. "Nope, not today, Crash. I think I'm going to go with the Firestar."
Crash blew out her breath noisily. "A Firestar? Going undercover?"
"No. It just needs to fit under this dress." I pulled out a fire engine red cocktail dress from one of the shopping bags I was carrying. The sequins on the neckline shimmered in the small room's dull florescent light.
Crash whistled, and said, "Damn, girl. How much did that cost?"
I smiled at her. "Doesn't matter. It's paid for by the client."
Crash eyed the dress appreciatively. "Yeah," she nodded, "Yeah, a Firestar would be your best bet."
She turned and walked into the back room. I looked around the room with a small smile. I had always liked Crash and Burn. It was the store Montgomery Private Investigation leased their weapons from. Crash had been the owner of the store ever since her father, Burn, had passed away ten years ago. The store was underneath a set of apartments, one of which she lived in. The business part of the building was simple. When you stood outside the door, and looked at the large window with "Crash and Burn" written on it, it greatly resembled a tattoo parlor. But when you entered, and saw the various guns hanging on every inch of the wall, you knew it wasn't a place to get your ink done.
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